Crowd gathers at vineyard for summer solstice

R.A.B.I’s Essex committee has had a busy month, raising £2,647 at two fundraisers.

More than 100 people gathered at the Great Lodge Vineyard in Great Bradfield for a summer solstice event. This was a new venture for the committee, who organised a relaxed evening at the historic estate.The night raised £1,534.

The Great Lodge Vineyard, originally a deer park owned by the crown, first planted its Bacchus grapes in 1989. The vineyard’s wine has won medals both regionally and nationally.

Guests were treated to a glass of sparkling wine and explored the beautiful gardens. They then socialised in the ‘Anne of Cleves’ barn, said to have been built while Anne of Cleves lived on the land.

The Essex committee also organised a charity horse ride, which brought in £1,113. This annual event attracted a good number of entries for a ride around a 12-mile course at Parkland Farm in Galleywood.